Canada warns about formaldehyde in hair smoothing products

OTTAWA – Health Canada is warning consumers that hair smoothing products have been found to contain formaldehyde above limits set by the government and some people may get adverse reactions from the chemical.

“As part of its ongoing work on hair smoothing products, Health Canada is warning Canadians that ten additional professional hair smoothing solutions have been found to contain levels of formaldehyde above the limit set by Health Canada. An earlier advisory on Brazilian Blowout Solution was issued on October 26, 2010. These products are known to be available at salons across Canada but are not generally available directly to consumers,” the health unit said.

“Health Canada has received complaints of burning eyes, nose, and throat, breathing difficulties, and one report of hair loss associated with use of professional hair straightening products,” the department said on Friday.

“Formaldehyde is permitted as a preservative in cosmetics at levels of no more than 0.2%. Formaldehyde is a known irritant, sensitizer, and is linked to cancer in humans when inhaled chronically over a long period of time. Health Canada believes that the reactions are being caused by formaldehyde becoming aerosolized during the blow drying and flat ironing stages of the treatment. Any procedure containing formaldehyde above the allowable limits places clients and stylists at increased risk.”

The following table provides the names of the products and the levels of formaldehyde found in federal testing:

Who is affected:
Consumers receiving these hair smoothing treatments, and stylists performing the treatment may experience reactions of burning eyes, nose, throat, and breathing troubles.

What consumers should do
Consumers who are experiencing adverse reactions to these professional hair smoothing solutions are advised to seek medical attention. Consumers who have used this product and not experienced any reactions likely have no cause for concern.

Stylists who use these professional hair smoothing solutions should immediately stop using the affected product. Health Canada has not tested all professional hair smoothing solutions. It is the responsibility of manufacturers, importers, distributors and sellers to ensure that their product is in compliance with the Food and Drugs Act.

Adverse reactions to cosmetics can be reported to Health Canada using a form available on Health Canada’s website: www.healthcanada.gc.ca/reportaproduct